The Irish Law Reform Commission is proposing that Ireland should copy Britain and allow teenagers, including those under the age of consent, legally to receive contraception. The commission's consultation report on the matter proposes the legal situation in Britain as a model for Ireland. The report also relies upon false claims by the pro-abortion World Health Organisation and the pro-abortion Irish Family Planning Association that access to contraception is good for teenagers's sexual health.
In Britain, allowing teenagers under the age of consent to access confidential sexual so-called health services has led to mobile clinics at schools facilitating access to abortion. The Irish people should note that most birth control drugs and devices may cause early abortions, as the manufacturers themselves admit. Abortion is banned under the Irish Constitution (article 40.3.3). Allowing schoolchildren to be provided with contraception and abortifacients also undermines parental rights and responsibilities. In Britain, secret abortions are arranged without parental knowledge or consent. The role of schools in these secret abortions is contrary to international human rights law. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights upholds the right of parents to decide the type of education received by their children. This includes protecting their children from the anti-life propaganda which is a feature of state-mandated sex education.
Parents up and down Ireland must mobilise to respond the Law Reform Commission's consultation, lest Irish teenagers are damaged by the importation of Britain's abortion culture. Responses should be sent, either by email to info@lawreform.ie or by post to 35-39 Shelbourne Road, Dublin 4, Ireland, by 31 March.
